published 10/27/26
In what can be described as a silver anniversary of Hieronymus Bosch novels, Connelly wastes no time ratcheting up the action. This book crosses time and jurisdictions as Harry reflects on his time in MacLaren Children’s Center, which has a horrific record of treating children entrusted to its facility. We learn about a hidden space under the stairs known as “The Hollow”, which was a kind of solitary confinement and less of a ‘wizard under the stairs’ vibe. Through an old lawsuit settlement that Mickey Haller informs Bosch about, Bosch wants no part of the money but wants justice for his childhood friend and ward of MacLaren, who ends up dead. We get a glimpse into young Harry, which likely formed his vigilante-for-justice personality. A federal secret case, a cold state case, and an unsolved local case converge.
What follows is a heart-pounding series of crimes and intersections, told through spectacular writing and sharp attention to detail. This is not your everyday Harry Bosch novel. It’s a masterpiece of seeing a man fully formed, not only by his haunted past, but by decades of case successes, with the few failures always lurking in his shadow of success. This is the book of 2026, and it truly showcases Connelly’s mastery in crime fiction.
I want to thank Michael Connelly for his talent and Little, Brown and Company for allowing me to read this arc freely in exchange for an honest review. I hope this book shortlists for an Edgar- it’s well-deserved.
#MichaelConnolly #TheHollow. #libraryninja📚
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